Latest news with #OneofaKiner
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Isiah Kiner-Falefa meets Ralph Kiner's son for first time in heartfelt moment: ‘Dream come true'
Access the Mets beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets. Try it free Isiah Kiner-Falefa has taken pride since his youth in knowing he was a cousin to a Hall of Fame slugger/Mets broadcasting legend. Advertisement And for the first time on Monday, the Pirates infielder received the opportunity to meet that part of the family. Kiner-Falefa and Scott Kiner, the late Ralph Kiner's son, embraced in the press conference room at Citi Field before the Mets' series opener win, 4-3, against the Pirates. Scott Kiner said he verified last year through genealogy that his great-great-grandmother (Mary McPherrin Kiner, from Western Pennsylvania) was Kiner-Falefa's great-great-great-grandmother on his mother's side. Kiner-Falefa was presented with a charcoal painting of Ralph Kiner, who worked Mets broadcasts from 1962-2013 following a 10-year major league career — mostly with the Pirates — during which he hit 369 home runs. 'I just try to wear the name with a lot of pride, and now having the opportunity to play for the Pirates, it's very special to me,' said Kiner-Falefa, who played for the Yankees in 2022-23. 'To finally meet [Scott Kiner], it's like a dream come true.' Advertisement Kiner-Falefa, who was raised in Hawaii, never got to meet his famous cousin. But he recalled attending one Mets game growing up. It just happened to be July 14, 2007, when the Mets honored Kiner at Shea Stadium. Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa (7) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the New York Mets during the second inning at Citi Field. Brad Penner-Imagn Images 'My grandpa had always told me stories,' Kiner-Falefa said. 'So for me to go to one Mets game and it be Kiner Night, I couldn't believe it. I had no idea what I was walking into.' Scott Kiner is promoting his new book, 'One of a Kiner,' which details his father's life. CHECK OUT THE LATEST MLB STANDINGS AND METS STATS 'This is like a happy ending in the book,' Scott Kiner said. 'This is pretty cool.' Kiner-Falefa said he's seen 'tidbits' online of Kiner's broadcasting work and would like to take that route once his playing career is finished. Baseball Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner speaks at the podium during pregame festivities against the Atlanta Braves during their Opening Day Game at Citi Field on April 5, 2012 in New York City. Getty Images 'When I was 8 years old, I became obsessed with baseball,' Kiner-Falefa said. 'Obsessed with Ralph Kiner.' Paul Blackburn is scheduled for a rehab start Friday with Triple-A Syracuse. Advertisement The right-hander has pitched twice in the minor leagues since his rehab clock was reset two weeks ago following a stomach virus. Blackburn opened the season on the injured list with inflammation in his right knee. Sean Manaea has begun throwing from the mound in his rehab from an oblique strain. … The Mets, in conjunction with New York-Presbyterian Hospital, will offer free prostate cancer screening before Tuesday's game for ticketed fans, gameday employees, NYPD working at Citi Field and media members. The blood tests will take place in the Heineken Diamond Lounge on the fifth level. All who are tested will receive a voucher good for two complimentary tickets to a selected home game.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Yankees Starter Isiah Kiner-Falefa Has Heartfelt First Family Meeting
Isiah Kiner-Falefa seems to make a positive impact wherever he goes, with the former Yankee establishing a reputation as a hard worker and flexible utility player. Currently with the Pittsburgh Pirates after a year-long tenure with the Toronto Blue Jays, IKF is experiencing a nice renaissance with a .288 batting average, .704 OPS and an 89th percentile whiff %. Advertisement The Hawaii native also has familial connections to late Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner, who spent eight of his 11 MLB seasons with the Pirates. IKF, always a class act, enjoyed a touching pregame ceremony prior to the Pirates' 4-3 loss to the New York Mets on Monday. Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa records an out at second base and throws to throws to first against the Kansas City Royals at PNC Park on Sept. 13, LeClaire-Imagn Images IKF met Scott Kiner, Ralph's son, in a press conference prior to Monday's game, and was presented with a charcoal painting of the baseball legend following a jersey swap. Kiner verified through genealogy that him and the Pirates infielder are cousins, as Scott's great-great grandmother is IKF's great-great-great grandmother on his mother's side. Advertisement The moment was especially full-circle given that IKF currently plays for the Pirates, where Ralph hit 301 home runs and has a retired #4 jersey. The moment also took place in the underbelly of Citi Field, and Ralph worked Mets broadcasts from 1962 until 2013. 'I just try to wear the name with a lot of pride, and now having the opportunity to play for the Pirates, it's very special to me,' said Kiner-Falefa. IKF also recalled attending a Mets game in 2007 which just so happened to be Kiner Night to honor the legendary broadcaster. IKF has also mentioned that he hopes to take the broadcasting route once his playing career has ended. Advertisement Scott is in the middle of a promotion for his book 'One of a Kiner' which details his father's life. 'This is like a happy ending in the book,' Kiner said. 'This is pretty cool.' Related: Paul Skenes Makes Huge WBC Announcement After Latest Loss Related: Yankees Announcer Rips Pirates for Failing Paul Skenes Related: Pirates Sign Former First-Round Pick After Paul Skenes Comments
New York Post
13-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Isiah Kiner-Falefa meets Ralph Kiner's son for first time in heartfelt moment: ‘Dream come true'
Access the Mets beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets. Try it free Isiah Kiner-Falefa has taken pride since his youth in knowing he was a cousin to a Hall of Fame slugger/Mets broadcasting legend. And for the first time on Monday, the Pirates infielder received the opportunity to meet that part of the family. Kiner-Falefa and Scott Kiner, the late Ralph Kiner's son, embraced in the press conference room at Citi Field before the Mets' series opener win, 4-3, against the Pirates. Scott Kiner said he verified last year through genealogy that his great-great-grandmother (Mary McPherrin Kiner, from Western Pennsylvania) was Kiner-Falefa's great-great-great-grandmother on his mother's side. Kiner-Falefa was presented with a charcoal painting of Ralph Kiner, who worked Mets broadcasts from 1962-2013 following a 10-year major league career — mostly with the Pirates — during which he hit 369 home runs. 'I just try to wear the name with a lot of pride, and now having the opportunity to play for the Pirates, it's very special to me,' said Kiner-Falefa, who played for the Yankees in 2022-23. 'To finally meet [Scott Kiner], it's like a dream come true.' Kiner-Falefa, who was raised in Hawaii, never got to meet his famous cousin. But he recalled attending one Mets game growing up. It just happened to be July 14, 2007, when the Mets honored Kiner at Shea Stadium. Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa (7) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the New York Mets during the second inning at Citi Field. Brad Penner-Imagn Images 'My grandpa had always told me stories,' Kiner-Falefa said. 'So for me to go to one Mets game and it be Kiner Night, I couldn't believe it. I had no idea what I was walking into.' Scott Kiner is promoting his new book, 'One of a Kiner,' which details his father's life. CHECK OUT THE LATEST MLB STANDINGS AND METS STATS 'This is like a happy ending in the book,' Scott Kiner said. 'This is pretty cool.' Kiner-Falefa said he's seen 'tidbits' online of Kiner's broadcasting work and would like to take that route once his playing career is finished. Baseball Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner speaks at the podium during pregame festivities against the Atlanta Braves during their Opening Day Game at Citi Field on April 5, 2012 in New York City. Getty Images 'When I was 8 years old, I became obsessed with baseball,' Kiner-Falefa said. 'Obsessed with Ralph Kiner.' Paul Blackburn is scheduled for a rehab start Friday with Triple-A Syracuse. The right-hander has pitched twice in the minor leagues since his rehab clock was reset two weeks ago following a stomach virus. Blackburn opened the season on the injured list with inflammation in his right knee. Sean Manaea has begun throwing from the mound in his rehab from an oblique strain. … The Mets, in conjunction with New York-Presbyterian Hospital, will offer free prostate cancer screening before Tuesday's game for ticketed fans, gameday employees, NYPD working at Citi Field and media members. The blood tests will take place in the Heineken Diamond Lounge on the fifth level. All who are tested will receive a voucher good for two complimentary tickets to a selected home game.
